Forum Discussion

work2much's avatar
work2much
Explorer
Mar 10, 2017

Truck/trailer height question

He all, new to this forum. My wife and I have been truck campers for many years. Now that we are retired and looking to do more and longer trips we are considering adding a 5th wheel trailer to our camping arsenal . We would use the TC for more primitive trips and the 5er for longer trips.

I'm sure I will have many questions as I get up to speed but one initial question I have is the trailer being level when pulled. I see quite a few setups where the trailer isn't level, usually the front too high. I am assuming that has to do with the bed of the truck being too high?

The setup we are looking at would be a 2017ish Dodge Ram Diesel 3500 dually 4x4 and a Grand Design 303RLS. We are pretty sure on the Truck but open on the trailer. Trailer shopping is tiresome and confusing. Not very impressed with the quality of any of them for fit and finish.The GD seemed like a decent/affordable unit and my wife loves the floorpan. Looking to buy later this year after a long trip we have planned to Alaska for the summer.

Does anyone run a similar set-up? Would we have to lift the trailer or is there enough adjustment in the hitch to make a level ride?

Also looking for any advice/experience with the Ram puck system. Recommendations on hitches for the factory prep is appreciated.

Thanks!
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2017
    The tailgate height on the Ram dually is 57 inches and I believe the overhang on on the Grand Design is 62", maybe a little less. A couple of inches of truck squat should put you about right on to tow level. Please double check these measurements.
  • Road_Phantom's avatar
    Road_Phantom
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2017
    I have the Companion Hitch and absolutely love it. It's an easy hookup. Mine cost $900 from the dealer.
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    Jhurk wrote:
    I have a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 Reg box pulling a 2009 Cardinal 34'. I used the Anderson Ulitmate Aluminum hitch (35lbs) great hitchmfor a short box and 200 lbs lighter than some heavy hitches. I had to raise my Cardinal 5 " to make level but all is good. I believe the newer FW are taller to accommodate the newer TV.


    Thanks. Is raising the trailer as simple as blocks and longer u bolts?
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    Wild Card wrote:
    I have a 15 Ram dually 4x4. I am at 59" to top of bed rails. I am pullig a Voltage Toyhauler and run about 2-3" high in the nose with 7.5" bed rail clearance.

    Buyng new truck spring for the Ram factory air ride.


    I was definitely considering this. Does the truck ride lower unloaded with the air ride?
  • Jhurk's avatar
    Jhurk
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    I have a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 Reg box pulling a 2009 Cardinal 34'. I used the Anderson Ulitmate Aluminum hitch (35lbs) great hitchmfor a short box and 200 lbs lighter than some heavy hitches. I had to raise my Cardinal 5 " to make level but all is good. I believe the newer FW are taller to accommodate the newer TV.
  • Wild_Card's avatar
    Wild_Card
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    I have a 15 Ram dually 4x4. I am at 59" to top of bed rails. I am pullig a Voltage Toyhauler and run about 2-3" high in the nose with 7.5" bed rail clearance.

    Buyng new truck spring for the Ram factory air ride.
  • Wild_Card's avatar
    Wild_Card
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    korbe wrote:
    Our truck is pretty standard and the side bed rails are 54" high. Our 5er fit perfect without any adjustments.


    Truck heights have changed drasticly.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Mar 10, 2017
    Definately get the factory prep and then buy a Pullrite or B&W to go on it. Don't buy one from the truck dealer unless you like paying 50 percent more.

    Just an observation: we went to a RV show last weekend and I noticed that most of the new 5vers had 4 step entrance stairs. I wonder if the manufacturers have raised the height of the 5vers to match the new trucks?
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    Our truck is pretty standard and the side bed rails are 54" high. Our 5er fit perfect without any adjustments.

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